US3734778A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for producing a spirally wound electrolytic cell
Assignee: Gates Rubber Co
•
Filing: 1971-05-10
•
Granted: 1973-05-22
•
Expires: 1991-05-10
Abstract
Abstract An electrolytic cell pack consisting for instance of opposite polarity electrodes and alternate interposed separator is spirally wound by (a) attaching a thin flexible leader tab having a folded end to the cell pack, (b) curling the folded end of the leader tab in a spiral manner, (c) bringing a winding mandrel next to the thus formed curl and rotating the mandrel in the direction of the curled tab to thereby uncurl the leader tab and engage its folded end into a peripheral receiving portion of the mandrel, and (d) further rotating the mandrel to form the spiral wound cell pack. The described winding method is particularly suitable for spirally winding under firm stack pressure relatively small diameter cell packs such as may be required in rechargeable alkaline battery cells. The stack pressure achieved by the winding method is maintained by inserting a retainer in the axial void of the cell pack.
Inventors
- 👤 L Huf
- 👤 P Grossman
- 👤 R Young
- 👤 R Stark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 05:07
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M10/00; H01M10/04; H01M10/0431; H01M6/00; H01M6/04; H01M6/06; H01M6/10; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y02P; Y02P70/00; Y02P70/50; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the cell pack layers comprise opposite polarity electrodes sandwiching alternate separator layers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the elctrolytic cell pack is used as the contents of an alkaline rechargeable battery cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the leader tab is curled for at least one full turn.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) consists of conducting the operations in the following sequence: folding one end of the leader tab, then curling the folded end, followed by securely affixing the other end of the leader tab to the cell pack.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the rotational speed in step (b) is relatively slower than the rotational speed in step (C).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the surface of the mandrel comprises a plurality of upstanding projections and contiguous depressions capable of engaginy the leader tab foldback.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the mandrel surface comprises one or more splines.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the curl is accomplished by subjecting the leader tab to elevated temperature in an atmosphere of air or steam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the curled tab is removed from the completed spiral wound cell pack.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein one of the separator layers extends from the cell pack to additionally function as the leader tab.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 wherein after the leader tab foldback has engaged the mandrel, further rotation of the mandrel is accompanied by the use of a plurality of idling pressure rolls bearing against the winding cell pack.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 12 wherein the pressure rolls are made to bear against the winding cell pack after the leading edge of the cell pack has been wound upon the mandrel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
87 words
A method of producing an essentially small diameter spirally wound cell pack for a battery comprising steps (a), (b) and (c) according to claim 1, winding said cell pack under firm stack pressure, and the steps comprising: d. disengaging the spirally wound cell pack from the mandrel, thereby creating an axial void in the cell pack; e. placing said spirally wound cell pack in a substantially tight fitting cylindrical container; and f. inserting a porous or discontinuous retainer in the axial void of the cell pack formed.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the first stack pressure is supplied by a plurality of pressure rollers adjacent the mandrel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the porous retainer consists of a helical plastic coil resistant to electrolyte.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |